Welcome to my website...
In case you hadn't already guessed, my name is
Ed Chard.
I'm full time outdoor educationalist, Mountaineering Instructor, Expedition Leader and Technical Advisor.
I've been working in the Outdoor industry for over 20 years in a variety of settings from inner city youth work to The National Mountaineering Centres in the UK.
My passion is giving folk the confidence to realise their own climbing goals and learn some skills along the way and if you can have a laugh, even better!
I have run my own courses for the past 10 years but am now also the Deputy Head of Centre at Thornbridge Outdoors in the Peak District.
Bespoke Courses
I run courses all year round, tailor-made to meet your individual requirements.
I'm a strong believer that each course should be unique, just as each pupil is, and can be tailored to your own levels of skill and experience.
So whether you're totally new to mountaineering and wanting to give it a try, or a seasoned veteran in need of a refresher session before an upcoming assessment, I can put a package together just for you.
Some of the courses available include:
- Traditional Lead Climbing
- Multi Pitch Climbing
- Sea Cliff Climbing
- Self Rescue Techniques
- Winter Mountaineering
- Snow & Ice Climbing
- MLT Refresher Training
Technical Advice
I also serve as a Technical Advisor assisting various companies and outdoor organisations in current best practice and down to earth safety solutions.
Some of the areas I'm able to advise on include:
- Climbing on Manmade Structures
- Rock, Snow and Ice Climbing
- Mountain and Hill Walking
- Camping and related activities
- MTUK Mountain Instructor Schemes
- MTE Courses (CWA/WGL/SPA/ML)
Other services include running training courses and assisting with the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessments.
I'm also available to assist with the selection of equipment, and with applications for licensing with the Adventure Activities Licensing Service.